Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies intimated.

Councillor Gordon Blair declared a non financial interest in relation to the Third Sector Grant Applications for 26^th Argyll (Sandbank) Scout Group which was dealt with at item 8 (3.1) and Cowal Fiddle Workshop which was dealt with at item 8 (3.4) of this Minute, because he is a member of the Groups.  He left the room and took no part in the discussion of these items.

Councillor Bruce Marshall declared a non financial interest in relation to the Third Sector Grant Application for Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust which was dealt with at item 8 (3.5) of this Minute, because he is a Trustee of the Group.  He left the room and took no part in the discussion of this item.

The Minute of the Meeting of the Dunoon Common Good Fund of 23^rd May 2014 was noted.

The Minute of the meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum of 6^th June 2014 was noted.

The Minute of the meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee of 11^th June 2014 was approved as a correct record.

The Minute of the meeting of the Cowal Games Partnership of 30^th June 2014 was noted.

There were no questions asked.

Presentation by Environmental Health Officer to 3 in 1 Takeaway, Argyle Street, Rothesay

The Environmental Health Officer gave a presentation to the Committee on the Award Winner Three in One Takeaway in Rothesay.

He advised that they won this award through the EatSafe Award Scheme which is operated by the Food Standards Agency and covers all 32 Scottish Local Authorities.

The Chair presented Reza Haghparast, owner of Three in One Takeaway with an EatSafe certificate on behalf of the Area Committee and congratulated him on all his hard work.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Presentation by Environmental Health Officer dated 5^th August 2014, submitted).

Presentation by Chief Executive of ACHA

The Committee heard a presentation by the Chief Executive of ACHA. He spoke about the Investment Programme for 2013/14 and 2014/15 and the upgraded playpark at Strachur which the community gave some new equipment and ACHA provided labour, matting and fencing.

He advised that ACHA have been engaging with the Council regarding the Empty Homes Initiative and spoke about the low demand for properties on  Bute where they have work ongoing to look at housing for teachers, core and cluster housing and elderly care.

The Chief Executive of ACHA thanked Argyll and Bute Council for their joint working with ACHA with the Council Strategic Housing Fund.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Presentation by Chief Executive of ACHA dated 5^th August 2014, submitted).

Presentation by Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation

The Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation gave a presentation to the Committee on actions for growth in the Bute and Cowal Economy.

He spoke about the Economic Development Action Plan progress to date which included all CHORD projects, the superfast broadband rollout in Dunoon and the economic development input into the business case for Castle Toward.

Mr Murray intimated the intention of the SURF (Strategic Urban Regeneration Fund ) Group to attend the September business day to update members on their assessment of the Bute economic profile.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Presentation by Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation dated 5^th August 2014, submitted).

Councillor Gordon Blair, having declared a non financial interest in 26^th Argyll (Sandbank) Scout Group and Cowal Fiddle Workshop, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion of these items.

Councillor Bruce Marshall, having declared a non financial interest in Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion of that item.

Report by Community Development Officer

A report detailing recommendations for the award of Third Sector Grants (including Events and Festivals) to Third Sector organisations for Bute and Cowal was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed to award the grant recommendations as follows:-

(Ref: Report by Community Development Officer dated 7^th July 2014, submitted).

Report by IOD Programme Manager

The Committee considered a report which presented the Area Scorecard with exceptional performance for financial quarter 1 of 2014-15 (April to June 2014).

Decision

The Committee noted the exceptional performance presented on the Scorecard.

(Ref: Report by IOD Programme Manager dated 5^th August 2014, submitted).

Councillor Robert Macintyre left the meeting and Councillor Bruce Marshall took the Chair.

Report by Area Manager (Operations)

A report updating the Committee on the findings of the continuing quarterly evaluation of the Care at Home provision within the Bute and Cowal area was considered.

The report has been broken down to show the progress and joint working that has been put in place to ensure that a high quality service is provided, as it is recognised that this service is provided to vulnerable individuals, predominately by lone workers, in the home environment.

The Area Manager for Adult Care updated the Committee on the current position with the Sensory Impairment Team which is an Argyll wide team that is based in Dunoon.  She advised there had been significant changes due to staffing illnesses and they were  progressing to  find an experienced Officer to assist with the 76 patients that are on the current waiting list for assessments.

Decision

1. The Committee noted the report and the verbal update by the Area Manager for Adult Care; and
2. Noted that a further report would come to the September Business Day updating Members on the outcome of the workshop taking place on 13^th August for the future development of the National Strategic Framework, to meet increasing demand.

(Ref:  Report and Verbal update by Area Manager – Adult Care dated 5^th August 2014, submitted).

Councillor Robert Macintyre returned to the meeting and took the Chair.

Report by Performance Improvement Officer

The Committee considered a report which was requested at the June Area Committee after a discussion regarding the Care Inspectorate Grades, in particular Mears Care Ltd who are currently scoring grades of 3 across all inspection categories.

Decision

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Performance Improvement Officer dated 5^th August 2014, submitted).

Report by Area Manager (Operations)

A progress report of the Bute and Cowal Learning Disability Day Services at ASIST in Dunoon and Phoenix in Rothesay, was considered.

The report details that plans are now in place that meet the Care Inspectorate and Council requirements which have been reflected in the overall improved grades.

Decision

The Committee noted the information provided.

(Ref:  Report by Area Manager – Adult Care dated 5^th August 2014, submitted).

Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services

A report providing an update regarding the Castle Lodge Gate House building at Castle Gardens, Dunoon, was considered.

Decision

The Committee noted the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Roads and Amenity Services dated July 2014, submitted).

Report by Roads Performance Manager

The Roads Performance Manager presented a report following on from the report he previously presented at the February Area Committee, providing information on road maintenance revenue activities being delivered in 2013/14.

Decision

The Committee noted the report.

(Ref:  Report by Roads Performance Manager dated July 2014, submitted).

Report by Roads Performance Manager

A report providing an update on outstanding and on-going roads related issues in the Bute and Cowal Area was considered.

Decision

The Committee noted the report.

(Ref:  Report by Roads Performance Manager dated 9^th July 2014, submitted).

Report by Roads Performance Manager

A report seeking approval from the Area Committee to proceed with various measures to deal with concerns and complaints received via Elected Members from residents and road users, regarding traffic speeds, difficulties for pedestrians crossing and manoeuvrability in and use of car parks, was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations in the report, noting that further consultation would require to be carried out in respect of the proposals for the Glenmorag Car Park.

(Ref:  Report by Roads Performance Manager dated 14^th July 2014, submitted).

Report by Roads Performance Manager

A report detailing the provision of a specific parking facility for Argyll Street Surgery was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed to hold all further design work in abeyance until the parking review workshops scheduled for autumn/winter 2014.

(Ref:  Report by Roads Performance Manager dated 14^th July 2014, submitted).

That having regard to the decision of the Council on 25^th June 2014 to refer final determination of the community right to buy application to the Policy and Resources meeting on 21^st August 2014 that the Area Committee resolves as follows:-

To note the overwhelming community support following a ballot in respect of the proposal by South Cowal Community Development Trust to acquire the land and buildings at Castle Toward and also being aware of the large amount of financial support from HIE enabling SCCDT to reach the stage they are at, and to intimate the support of the Area Committee for the proposal which proposes to create economic benefit and employment in Cowal and to provide a benefit to the community.

Therefore the Area Committee commends the proposal to the Policy and Resources Committee and invites them to note the support of the local committee when considering the matter at their forthcoming meeting.

Proposed:  Councillor B Marshall                   Seconded:  Councillor Robert MacIntyre

The Committee considered and unanimously agreed the notice of motion proposed by Councillor B Marshall and Seconded by Councillor Robert MacIntyre.

Decision

That having regard to the decision of the Council on 25^th June 2014 to refer final determination of the community right to buy application to the Policy and Resources meeting on 21^st August 2014 that the Area Committee resolves as follows:-

To note the overwhelming community support following a ballot in respect of the proposal by South Cowal Community Development Trust to acquire the land and buildings at Castle Toward and also being aware of the large amount of financial support from HIE enabling SCCDT to reach the stage they are at, and to intimate the support of the Area Committee for the proposal which proposes to create economic benefit and employment in Cowal and to provide a benefit to the community.

Therefore the Area Committee commends the proposal to the Policy and Resources Committee and invites them to note the support of the local committee when considering the matter at their forthcoming meeting.

The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public for the following item of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 8&9 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Report by Regeneration Project Manager – Dunoon

A report detailing the redevelopment of the Queens Hall in Dunoon was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations at 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Regeneration Project Manager dated 18^th July 2014, submitted).

Report by Asset Manager (to follow)

The Committee agreed to postpone this item to the September Business Day.

Report by Asset Manager

A report advising the Committee of a request received by Bute Community Links (BCL) Ltd to assign their lease of shop premises at 3 Montague Street, Rothesay was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations at 3.1 and 3.2 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Estates Surveyor dated 17^th July 2014, submitted).

Report by Asset Manager

A report advising the Committee of a request to purchase two areas of ground at Cotton Mill Lane, Rothesay, was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations at 3.1 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Estates Surveyor dated 17^th July 2014, submitted).

Report by Legal Services Manager

A report seeking Members instructions on the transfer of ownership of an additional area of land in the ownership of the Council to Toward Sailing Club was considered.

Decision

The Committee agreed the recommendations at 3.1 of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Legal Services Manager dated 29^th July 2014, submitted).

E1       Paragraph 8  The amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the authority under any particular contract for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services; and

Paragraph 9  Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.